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Julian Lennon Interview: Happiness Is a Colombian Tribe

Julian Lennon’s sensitive and poetic vision of life courses through his exquisite photography, philanthropic pursuits, and his acclaimed music. His debut album, Valotte, yielded two top ten hits – the title track and “Too Late for Goodbyes” – and he was Grammy nominated for Best New Artist and went on to have multiple number one singles on the US album rock charts.

Internationally, one of his most popular songs, “Saltwater,” charted successfully around the world, topping in Australia for four weeks and reaching number six in the UK. In 2007, Lennon founded the global environmental and humanitarian organization The White Feather Foundation which, in conjunction with partners from around the world, helps to raise funds for the betterment of all life. He produced the compelling documentary Whaledreamers that was shown at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival and earned eight International Film Festival awards.

“The happiest I’ve felt was when I was in Colombia with this indigenous tribe over the weekend. After the whole day, up in the mountains in the back of a jeep, we came back down to the shore at this sort of hut hotel. Sunset was just coming. There were no laptops, no phone service, nothing. I was able to just sit down on the beach with some of the tribe who journeyed down with us. We literally just sat there in silence for about three hours watching the sun go down, looking at the stars with no technology, just seeing people’s faces smiling and happy and taking in the peacefulness of that. There was no rat race and no communications.”

Lennon has emerged a renowned photographer and garnered many outstanding reviews for his iconic images. In June 2013 (re-released from 2011), he returned with his first album in 16 years, the stunning Everything Changes, a masterwork of powerfully vulnerable and sophisticatedly accessible adult pop.

December 11, 2013 marked the next chapter in Lennon’s use of modern technology with the release of a groundbreaking App, a new way to deliver his art to fans including his latest work in an audio, film and visual interactive format with the insightful documentary Through the Picture Window. He is the only child of John Lennon and Cynthia Powell (his father’s first wife) and has a younger half-brother Sean.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Julian, How are you today?

Julian Lennon: How am I feeling today? Um (laughs). I’m not sure what planet I’m on, but I’m okay, and I mean that in the best possible sense. It’s just that I’ve been traveling a lot on behalf of my White Feather Foundation. Just a couple of weeks ago, I was in Africa, and I just got back from Colombia where we’re working with indigenous tribes out there.

Literally I was there for the weekend, and I’d only just arrived in LA a couple of days before to work on a few other singing charity projects like Rock Against Trafficking and a few other things like that, so it has been heady and hectic. I don’t know … jetlag on crack is all I can say (laughs). But I’m hanging in there. The weather’s nice, there’s fresh air, and the sun is out. I can’t complain.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): You took a few years off from music in the 1990s and the 2000s and almost quit, correct?

Julian Lennon: Oh God yeah. I didn’t quit it altogether. But I’ve always found the music industry to be … I’ll just say slightly annoying. In the past, every time I built up a relationship with someone within the industry or in the label, it was so transient and flippant. You built up support with one or two people in the label, and you go into the office a week later, and they’d be gone. They’d either be fired or moved to another label, so it was always a difficult thing to actually set up a decent foundation where you felt that you could trust someone enough that there would be longevity in your working together.

That’s why the albums took longer and longer to do in between because I just got too ticked off with how the industry was operating. That’s why I became an independent artist with the last album, which was 16 years ago. After a year of really heavy promotion and doing anything and everything TV wise and magazine and newspaper wise worldwide in near about every country around the world, I’d just had enough. I just thought, “Where’s the artistry in this?”

As a songwriter more than a performer, that was not something that appealed to me. I love playing some shows, but the real passion for me was in songwriting itself. Since then obviously I’ve gone on to do other projects here and there and became much more heavily involved in the charity work. But I’ve also taken on photography, and that has really become my number one passion, and I think that’s clearly stated in the documentary.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Absolutely.

Julian Lennon: It’s because there is no connection with photography on that front, and I actually get to be seen as an artist in my own right, although I think 30 years down the line, many people now understand that I have my own style and my own way of doing things musically.

Over the past 10 years, I have also been trying to be in the forefront of technology moving forward as far as initially music was concerned. That’s why as an independent artist, you need your Facebooks and your websites, and even moreso than anything you need your own App.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): The App for Through the Picture Window allows the viewer a fully interactive, high quality media experience. Very cool.

Julian Lennon: Yeah. Well, you need your own App because this has literally become your shop window for anything and everything that you want to put on there without control from anybody else and nobody looking over your shoulder. You’re able to do what you want to do, release the work when you want to release it.

These Apps now, as in the one we built, are upgradeable, and you’re notified of new mixes or new photos or new videos. They’re able to work on any device on any platform, and it is my understanding that you really can’t pirate the content or the App itself, so it’s probably the safest way forward for any artist to be able to show his wares and his work.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Going back to the album for a moment, the song “Everything Changes” has a line that says, “Everything changes everyday. We’ve got to find a better way. And on our hearts we’ve got to pray for something better than today.” Tell me about your faith and spirituality and what you mean by those words.

Julian Lennon: I’m not really religious in any way, shape or form, but definitely spiritual in the sense that that’s why I feel I have such a connection with the indigenous tribes and why we’ve worked with them personally and in documentaries because the reality in my mind is that without question, we are all connected. The life that we lead is a cycle, and everything that lives on the planet and the planet itself has its own cycles that in turn are tied in with the universe too although we don’t know that. We don’t know that for sure, but we certainly are sure that we are all made of the same thing.

We are all stardust, and we are formed into whatever we are, and then we go back to that … no question about it. But in the meantime, it’s about keeping harmony with that fact and those realities. That is my goal moving forward is to try, on a personal level, to keep that balance, try to be happy in the process and try to help other people along the way. That’s where I come from. That’s my stance.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): I assume you got your love for music from your father, but is that always what you wanted to do as early as you can remember?

Julian Lennon: The funny thing was my best mate in school, Justin Clayton, who remains a very close friend all these years later, was the one who was actually taking guitar lessons at school. Dad had given me a guitar, so Justin and I formed a band. Funnily enough, my favorite thing at that point in time in the early days was actually acting.

I loved theatre, and I loved plays. I enjoyed that very much and would be part of that every year. But once Justin and I discovered how to play guitar in a rock and roll band, it was different than receiving audience attention from being in a play. We’d do a three-minute song, and they would all get up and clap, and the girls screamed at you. Then you’d do another one, so it was very much that which drove Justin and me into becoming rock and rollers and songwriters.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Not the first musician to love the girls screaming (laughs). But things have changed many years later now that you have other interests?

Julian Lennon: I very much feel, at least from the last album and this album, that now musically I consider myself much more of a songsmith than an actual performer because I’m not one that goes out on the road a lot these days. I haven’t for a while in fact. I love playing shows every once in a while, but I’ve been there and done that and played all kinds of sizes from arenas to theatres to clubs and bars. It’s fun in your younger days (laughs). Not saying that I’m old, but photography found me, and I’ve absolutely fallen in love with it. It’s my number one passion, and I’m just driven by it. That and the White Feather Foundation are my priorities these days.

As much as I love music, it’s definitely taken a little bit of a backseat. It’s something I still love to do, but it’s more … I wouldn’t say a hobby because it’s still a career. It’s just that I’m not interested in the promotional tour flogging of all of that stuff. Life is too short as they say, and I want to achieve the things I want to achieve with the White Feather Foundation and photography. Music is coming along for the ride I guess.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): What life lessons did you learn from your parents at an early age?

Julian Lennon: I think mum taught me how to be humble. Mom taught me how to love, how to be loved, all the good and beautiful qualities in life. Dad taught me how not to do those things. That’s one of the reasons I’ve never had children to this point because I didn’t want to do the same thing as dad did to me. Musically, I thought he was a genius with the other boys. They were incredible and without question, one of the best, if not the best songwriters that ever lived.

On a personal level, I’m afraid to say that dad wasn’t much of a father. So I learned how not to be a father from him in so many respects. But that’s a good thing because it just means that I won’t do that. Our family or generation moving forward will hopefully be better, nicer, kinder people. But that’s a good lesson. It’s a good lesson.

It doesn’t mean I don’t love my dad. It just means that we weren’t able to be together growing up. I know his reasons, and I forgive him for all of that. Life is about moving forward, taking all of that with you, learning from all of those circumstances and trying to live a better and happier life. That’s certainly what I do without question. I’m certainly not one that lives in the past.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): What’s next for you?

Julian Lennon: There are many projects coming out. I’ve just been in the studio working on several charity projects like Rock Against Trafficking, which is obviously huge. White Feather is continuing with clean water campaigns around the world. I’ve been involved as a photographer and now musically on a film project about the incredible modernist architect and designer Eileen Gray. It’s a film called The Price of Desire about her life story and bringing her life to light. We’re hoping that’s going to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.

I’m doing a whole sort of book and boxed set of photographs to accompany that film, and we’re looking at hopefully exhibiting at Art Basel later this year possibly the collection from Africa when I was there. Those are just the ones I can remember off the top of my head. Everyday there’s something to do.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Julian, when are you the happiest?

Julian Lennon: The happiest I’ve felt was when I was in Colombia with this indigenous tribe over the weekend. After the whole day, up in the mountains in the back of a jeep, we came back down to the shore at this sort of hut hotel. Sunset was just coming. There were no laptops, no phone service, nothing. I was able to just sit down on the beach with some of the tribe who journeyed down with us. We literally just sat there in silence for about three hours watching the sun go down, looking at the stars with no technology, just seeing people’s faces smiling and happy and taking in the peacefulness of that. There was no rat race and no communications.

That was actually the first time I had sat down and done that for years, I kid you not. It has been two years since I’ve had a break from all the work I’ve been doing. But in that moment there and then, I just felt absolutely happy and at peace. I felt I was doing good work helping people, getting a few photographs in the process, and I could breathe. After that, when I could use the phone, I called my mum and dearest friends and said that I loved them. That was probably the happiest moment I’ve had in the past few years.

27 Comments

I have the greatest respect for Julian Lennon! This was an awesome interview and I was truly looking forward to Julian’s description of his experience with the Kogi tribe in Columbia. It was so wonderful to hear of the peacefulness and quiet he described as he is so deserving of that and I hope he makes a point of making room for that quiet on a regular basis as I am certain it will serve him well. Some never find inner peace and I think that is what one is meant to strive towards…loving oneself and one another, helping make oneself and the world a better place and finding one’s passion and pursuing it. This is what happiness is and that energy when shared is life-transforming and healing. Wisdom comes from knowing sadness and joy and understanding that life cannot be without opposites. It is about understanding that we all come from the same place and will return to it and that for that reason communication is possible everywhere and at any time if we all want it badly enough. Julian is using his status as a performer/song-writer/film-maker/and especially as a photographer to help with his efforts to make this world a better place and to give people an awareness so they can help do likewise. Thank you Julian for all you do and see you on the flip side! With love and respect, Christine Newland

The work with earth and water is the utmost of importance!I hope to see your involvement in DC, With the Native Americans, and Idle No More Movement, if you can fit this into your schedule…It would mean a lot to them! ! :-):-):-):-)It should be a great time! As well!

I am happy for him . It like he needs a vacation , but we couldnt handle.that, his fans. I think he is so sweet and loving and giving and has done so much. Making people happy. When is Julian time? All I can say is he is the most patient and thoughtful mature man I ever seen. And I love him. I have loads of pictures. Brinda

Julian Lennon is an extraordinary person With his background as the son of JOHN Lennon, he has managed to separate or distinguish himself in many creative,selfless ways. He does not seem to have his dad’s “edginess”. The work he does IS work and he apparently does a lot of it. He’s seemingly always on the move in a thoughtful way. Since he had achieved fame at an early age, he could have succumbed to impulsiveness, self-absorption, reckless relationships…instead, he knows himself, takes care of what’s important so as to help and not hurt himself or others. He is a great human being. Thank you for a wonderful interview.

Julian, is a very caring ,compassionate, & understanding individual on all levels bar none!!! he cares for those who are less fortunate than we are. I greatly admire him for all his good works & his photography. learning that charity begins at home & from such a warm & loving mother like Cynthia , that speaks volumes to all of us . we must relearn what are true priorities are , and to refocus our attention on far more important issues. I have 2 relatives with lupus. we have to reprioritize how to handle this neurological disorder. I have grand mal epilepsy!! as of august 16th 2014 I will have gone 10 years seizure free!!! I wish every one at the lupus foundation much luck & to Julian lennon as it national ambassador !! Eileen Elizabeth kimmey p.s. have a great birthday Julian you’re the greatest!!!

Hi Julian, So deep a reflection on your life, enjoy your memories & history and keep your photography to all new levels developing all the time. I’m into under water photography never ceases to amaze. Good work with all your charitable projects, I always look forward to your music releases
Colleen

You are a kind, and dear sweet man. You are such a humble human being. Your mother did such an excellent job. Thank you so much for your involvement in Rock Against Trafficking. Also help and coverage you bring to the forefront about animal abuse. Your work for Lupus is appreciated by so many fighting this disease. You have won so many well deserved awards. It was interesting to find out that you originally wanted to act and do theater. I cannot wait to see Eileen Gray. I am hoping you have a cameo, atleast. It would be exciting if the album would go up for public sale. I am glad that White Feather Foundation and photography are your priorities. I look forward to reading about your Charitable and Humanitarian work. And I love that you had that sunset and total peace. 2 years without resting is a long time. Everyone needs to take a deep breath and take time to refill and relax. 🙂 X

What I love most about this article, is that Julian knows how precious it is to be with Native Peoples. For me, it is the one thing on Earth that gives me so much peace, its almost like a high that cant be achieved on drugs/it surpasses it. I love that he has experienced this and does experience it, because it is my favorite passion on Earth. I love Native Peoples and their culture and issues that impact them.

I also love Julians ideas on everything he as asked about. There’s so much to love about him. What a talented man, who is unselfish, kind, cares about the world and its people and living things. I so respect and adore him. I hope some time we can talk and do a mind meld/like from Star Trek. 🙂 Love him and wish only joy, love and good health for him.

Very good interview! It clearly shows Julian is living his dream, to see the result of his good deeds to others, and capture the moments surrounding it. He is a very sincere with his intentions for humanity, and his passion for anything he wish to do in his lifetime is being achieved. I wish him well!!!

Really beautiful and brutally honest. You can love your dad but vow not to do the things he did that hurt you, and thats okay.. I was in Jamaica lAst week on a boat, we’d just been snorkeling, my son and daughter were laughing and playing with new friends from there on the netting of the katamarand as we skimmed over the blue water and my wife was enjoying the wind in her hair and I found myself not snapping photos or filming with my iPad but just treasuring it, relishing it…good thing I had sunglasses on because I was certainly moved to tears and felt some of that same blissful happiness and thankfulness of Life that you described . Keep up the wonderful work with WFF! Thank you Julian…

What a wonderful interview. Thankyou very much for the insight of what happiness can be for you. I`ve been to the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta, where the koguis live. It´s also the home of 4 other indigenous tribes and in my opinion one of the most beautiful places on earth. Connecting oneself to nature and its silent marvels is an incredible experiencie and journey. Maybe next time you come to Colombia you can get the chance to explore other incredible places of this misterious and strange country.

Have been following your posts for quite a while Julian ..and not only love what you do to help our world …but love you for what you stand for & who you are …was very interesting reading your response to a very interesting interview….Your Mother sounds like an amazing woman …and she has done a wonderful job …xx… know how you must have felt- Quote: “The happiest I’ve felt was when I was in Colombia with this indigenous tribe over the weekend. After the whole day, up in the mountains in the back of a jeep, we came back down to the shore at this sort of hut hotel. Sunset was just coming. There were no laptops, no phone service, nothing. I was able to just sit down on the beach with some of the tribe who journeyed down with us. We literally just sat there in silence for about three hours watching the sun go down, looking at the stars with no technology, just seeing people’s faces smiling and happy and taking in the peacefulness of that. There was no rat race and no communications.” – That’s just how we were all meant to be ….xx

Julian you are such an inspiration for people in general! Thank you for saying that the happiest moment you had was here in Colombia! I’m Colombian and I totally agree with you because there is no better feeling that the one you get from indigenous in their lands!! Is like to come back to the roots of everything!! Is pure magic.

<3 Hej
I find it is a very good talk you have with this interviewer, and I see you have a strong link to nature, just like me.
Nature have the healing power, and you wants to perserve it, and I want it so much too, I find it is terrible what
humans have done to it, because of greed, and thoughtless doings, lack of respect for nature. I do hope that I can
do something, together with other before I have to leave this beautiful planet, do hope I have half a lifetime to do something. Do what I can every day. Wish you all the best in life, you deserve if someone do, love and hugs and a mill xxxxxx